Category: General Fiction

General Fiction, Short Fiction

The Brawler by Héctor Hernández

literallystories2014

That last blow turned my head inside out and scrambled my brains. I didn’t have a fucking clue where the hell I was, but instinct kicked in and I started bobbing and weaving—a moving target would be hard to hit. I figured I could buy some time until my head cleared. But I was so wrong. Or maybe I was right, and it was this asshole who didn’t get that a moving target was supposed to be hard to hit because the bastard clobbered me with another whopper—this one to the side of my head—making me see double, triple even.

Continue reading “The Brawler by Héctor Hernández” →
All Stories, General Fiction

By Sevens by J W Goll

literallystories2014

When you ask me to take off my pants I agree and drop them to the floor, white undies shining brighter than the clouds, which I hope will blind you to my shyness. Then I see the mantis on the doorjamb leading to the treehouse deck and say we need to stop. I’d seen one on grandma’s body right before she died. Seconds before. She saw it too, said adios, and was gone. I know a sign when I see one.

Continue reading “By Sevens by J W Goll” →
All Stories, General Fiction

Paranoia   by Matias Travieso-Diaz

literallystories2014

Sometimes paranoia is just having all the facts.
William S. Burroughs

One of Henry’s daily routines was to surf the internet’s social sites in search of interesting stories to read and – although he knew this was a long shot – search for lost friends and relatives. He ignored the barrage of political palaver and the innumerable solicitations that offered to sell him stuff, make him rich, or restore his health and looks to the days of his youth. “I am pushing ninety. Unless anyone can prove that he has rediscovered the Fountain of Youth, I have no use for commercial come-ons” he told himself.

Continue reading “Paranoia   by Matias Travieso-Diaz” →
All Stories, General Fiction

The Incinerator and the Sinkhole by Christopher Miller

literallystories2014

Dad always told me there was an incinerator back here behind the gas station. Just didn’t think I’d ever see it for myself. And I especially didn’t think I’d see Mom’s stuff burning inside it. But life comes at you fast. Very fast. You have to keep up. Keep up or you’ll die. 

Continue reading “The Incinerator and the Sinkhole by Christopher Miller” →
All Stories, General Fiction

It’s a Little Bit Funny by Paul Kimm

literallystories2014

That’s how my mum still says it. Her phrase for anything that’s either actually funny, just unusual, quite mundane, or even a slight bit different from how something might be otherwise. Every time I go back home to see her, and then my dad, I can pretty much guarantee she’ll say ‘it’s a little bit funny’ in regard to something or other, as she has done for years.

Continue reading “It’s a Little Bit Funny by Paul Kimm” →
All Stories, General Fiction

In Polite Company at the End of the World by Laurel Hanson

literallystories2014

“The serving girl’s run off,” Cathryn said as she set the tea tray down on the blackened linen, “so I’ll be mother.”

Her guests inclined their heads politely and she poured, apologizing for the lack of sugar. “It’s the war of course, not a lump to be had for love nor money.” Her guests murmured softly. They understood, but still, it was frightfully embarrassing not to serve a proper tea. Why, she even had to make do with buttered bread instead of cucumber sandwiches.

Continue reading “In Polite Company at the End of the World by Laurel Hanson” →
All Stories, General Fiction

The Silence That Shaped Me by Torsaa Emmanuel Oryiman

literallystories2014

Why would life be so unfair to me? What have I done to deserve all this pain and, hardship? Sometimes I sit alone, lost in the quiet hum of the night, questioning every breath I take, every step I make. I search my heart for answers that never come, and the silence feels heavier than words. 
What sin did I commit to be born into such deprivation?

Continue reading “The Silence That Shaped Me by Torsaa Emmanuel Oryiman” →
All Stories, General Fiction

A Final Thing by Adam Kluger 

literallystories2014

She wants to meet on Friday at a restaurant. 

We have to talk. 

About what I wonder. 

Could it be that after all these years she has had enough? 

Enough of buying groceries and cooking you delicious meals

Enough of walking in the park

Continue reading “A Final Thing by Adam Kluger “ →
All Stories, General Fiction

Waiting for Robert Nix by Héctor Hernández

literallystories2014

The discovery of skeletal remains in the woods near the Quitipea River has brought back memories of Robert Nix. I knew him as a kid and thought he was just weird at first—we all did, even the teachers. It was only later that I—and I alone—discovered he was actually insane; I just didn’t know the depth of that insanity, not back then, anyway. I know now.

Continue reading “Waiting for Robert Nix by Héctor Hernández” →